Washington column for March 19

Ah, springtime!

What beautiful weather we had on Sunday. The birds were chirping. They were as happy as I was for the warm weather.

This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures and the rebirth of flora and fauna. Spring officially begins tomorrow (Friday, March 20). I encourage you to welcome spring by taking time out to enjoy Rappahannock County’s rich natural beauty this weekend and in the months to come.

Book (and Bud) notes

For local book lovers, day trippers and event groupies, the 21st annual Virginia Festival of the Book brings in scores of authors from far and wide and provides discussions, interviews, readings and books signings all over town in Charlottesville. The event continues today through this weekend at the Omni Charlottesville, the downtown mall and other locations.

Rappahannock’s own Larry “Bud” Meyer of Long Mountain Road, “right next to the Mount Salem Baptist Meeting House,” was invited to participate this year — as author of the Rappahannock-based environmental comedy-mystery novel “Mother Fracker” — on a panel with two other novelists who’ll discuss “Fiction With an Edge to It.” The panel discussion is at 5:30 p.m. today (Thursday, March 19) at the Lodge of the Old Trail in Crozet.

There’s a lot more about the festival, a program of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, at vabook.org.

Congratulations, Bud!

Pediavision at CCLC

Thanks to the Rappahannock Lions Club for bringing their Pediavision machine to the Child Care and Learning Center on February 19. The machine is a small hand-held device that allows the Lions to very quickly examine the eyesight of little ones who are too young to read letters and numbers. It can diagnose seven different eye diseases, some of which can be more easily corrected in a child. If the machine spots a possible problem, the parents are notified so they can take the child in for an eye examination.

The Lions bring their big van to the schools every year to do vision and hearing testing; they now plan to also bring the Pediavision machine every year for the preschool crowd.

There were 28 youngsters were screened. A similar testing is planned later this fall in conjunction with Headwaters and the Baby Bear Nursery in Sperryville. Yogi Bear spearheads the Pediavision for the Rappahannock Lions.

Men’s clothing wanted

Calling all men, or wives if appropriate. The Thrift’s supply of men’s clothing is hitting serious lows. Now is the time to clean out your closets and donate serviceable clothing, both winter and summer. We will sort, store the winter clothes. And don’t forget the BOGO Sale on all clothing. Buy one item and get a second item of equal or lower value for free.

Free Clinic

Rappahannock Free Clinic is open at the Rappahannock County Health Department on Main Street in Washington on Wednesday, on Feb. 18. Registration is from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Fauquier Free Clinic at 540-347-0394.

Spring cleaning

Spring cleaning going on at Ballard’s shop this week: 20 to 30 percent off in-stock select table linens, Vietri tableware and flatware, rugs, 10 percent off large selection of lotions, soaps. Discounts throughout the shop. They are making way for new spring shipments. Stop in and check out the low prices!

Mental health first aid course

The Mental Health Association will offer a two-day Mental Health First Aid course for community members on April 9, 10. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rappahannock County Library. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required. To register contact Sallie Morgan at 540-341-8732 or mhafc1@gmail.com

Birthday wishes

Birthday greetings go out to Debbie Flournoy, of Harris Hollow from her sister, Diana Moore. Debbie will celebrate her birthday on Friday, March 27.

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